Convergence technologies refer to the merging disciplines of telephony and data networking to create support for new data types and services over networks. Convergence technologies professionals demonstrate practical and conceptual knowledge in voice communication and data networking, as well as the convergence of voice and data on the same network. Competency in these areas enables professionals to support services such as Voice over IP (VoIP) telephony, real-time presentation, conferencing, communication, and other services that combine voice and data, among offices in a single building or across the world.

2. Is CTP associated with TIA?

Yes. CTP was developed by Certification Partners and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) to enhance the convergence technologies business environment by promoting the use of skills and knowledge standards in the industry and the workplace.

3. The CTP exam is touted as a "vendor-neutral" exam. What does that mean?

A vendor-neutral exam tests industry-common skills and job-role knowledge, rather than proprietary product and software familiarity. The many companies and industry experts that developed the CTP exam requirements selected objectives important to all convergence technologies. Official CTP courseware is based on the same vendor-neutral objectives as the exam, although it sometimes uses proprietary products to provide students with hands-on skill-building exercises. The exam does not test knowledge of any vendor-specific products or software.

4. CTP is a high-stakes, proctored certification exam. What does that mean?

The CTP certification exam is administered in a secure environment on a "closed book" basis. A proctor validates a candidate's identity and prevents access to any books, notes, tutors or other resources during the examination period. Candidates who attempt to violate the secure testing environment or help others to do so face serious consequences.

5. Who is in charge of the CTP exam?

The CTP exam was originally developed by Certification Partners (Prosoft Learning) and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), which teamed with industry leaders such as Avaya, Inter-Tel, Toshiba, Cisco, First Telecommunications, IBM, Mitel and Siemens to create the CTP program. The CTP program is owned and managed by Certification Partners an organization that specializes in developing and managing industry-based certifications. Certification Partners publishes and distributes Official CTP Courseware worldwide though various approved distributors.

6. Who benefits from the CTP certification?

Equipment manufacturers, channel partners and end-users all benefit from CTP certification. The CTP certification provides suppliers (such as equipment manufacturers) with standardized criteria to screen capable channel partners. It provides criteria for hiring and/or advancement within the organization, serves as an international standard for vendor-neutral convergence technologies training, enables ROI savings for product-specific training, and focuses company resources on product-specific training.

For end-users (individuals, employees and career-changers), the CTP certification validates convergence technologies knowledge and skills to employers, provides a baseline measurement of skills, allows portability of skills within the industry, and provides criteria for advancement.

10. I am preparing to take the CTP exam. Where can I find details about the exam and the skills that will be tested?

Details about the high-stakes CTP certification exam are available on the CTP Exam Page.

11. Who is qualified to take and pass the exam?

The CTP exam was carefully designed by industry experts. Individuals who pass this exam have gained significant experience in data, telephony and convergence networking. Those with significant experience in these three knowledge areas stand a good chance of passing the exam. However, even these individuals often require in-class training and have usually spent significant time studying the material by themselves.

12. Who should consider in-class CTP training?

You should take CTP training if you have fundamental experience in data, telephony, and convergence technologies. This training course is not designed to teach remedial knowledge of these topics. If you do not know basic concept such as IP address classes, TCP/IP fundamentals, or have never heard of SIP, H.323, and Megaco, you should consider first taking CCNT training.

13. Why make the exam so difficult?

CTP is endorsed by manufacturers and service providers because it provides a reasonable measure of foundational expertise in the convergence industry. Ensuring that business partners and employees have a base level of experience saves our partners time and money. Any exam that is less rigorous would be of little value to those who endorse the program.